Research on the application of marine biological patterns under the perspective of biomechanics

Abstract Marine biology and biomechanics provide a pathway toward novel sustainable, bio-inspired artifacts. Although the design logic associated with marine organisms such as sea urchins, bivalves, and fish caudal fins are unique, there is a limit to what has been gained as applicable in a functional consumer context. This study attempts to extract, analyze, and regenerate biomechanical affordances from marine organisms, and scale them into relevant product designs that would culturally resonate while being structurally efficient. High resolution images and CT scans were taken of marine organisms found in Chinese waters, and morphological analysis was conducted using analysis of curvature, identification of node spacing, and pattern symmetry. Parametric models were created with the help of Rhino and Grasshopper, along with the FEA (Finite Element Analysis) of COMSOL to test the structural performance. The models were produced by 3D printing (PLA/resin) and animal evaluation by assessing the mechanical functioning, successes of the inlays laid onto the bones, and receptor of the cultural data. The resulting prototypes had lamp shades, wearable jewellery and fluid packaging (containers) exhibited better distribution of stress, maintained shape despite taking loads and efficient utilisation of material. The FEA and computational renders showed that the overall bio-inspired geometries worked better when under loads as well as having lesser deformation. The aesthetic appeal and overall fit to culture were pivoted by user tests, which emphasized mainly radial designs of sea urchins and bilateral designs of bivalves. Such computational and biological reasoning of the marine world in the modern design is not only possible but also socially applicable. This way of doing it does not only enhance the longevity of the goods, but it also imparts ecological knowledge and Identity to the area.